When a family or individual sets out on the pursuit to find a pet, nobody really looks to adopt an old dog or cat.  Visitors to the SPCA will often choose a puppy/kitten or younger animal and the reasons for their choice logical. However, there are many benefits to adopting an older pet.

Puppies and kittens are darn cute and irrespective of their breed they will almost always find a home without a problem. Younger dogs and cats are energetic and fun and a great choice for young, active individuals. But who wants the wet nose whose beard has already turned grey? Older pets desperately want to spend their last years with a human, not only to be loved but also to give back the abundance of love they have left.

There are many benefits that come from choosing an older, matured pet, including:

1. There is a very likely chance that the older dogs and cats are trained and will get into a new (your) routine quickly.   After a few days they will realise where you want them to sleep, do their business and which parts of the house and furniture is off limits.
2. Older dogs and cats are calm. They do not need hours of play time like a younger pet. They are happy just being around you, laying by your feet or going for a walk around the block.   This will of course lower your blood pressure, by taking your dog for a walk and not the other way round. 
3. Older dogs and cats are full grown and you therefore know what you get. With an older pet one can distinguish whether your house and garden has enough space for them and if their temperament will fit well with you and the rest of your family. 
4. Older dogs and cats aren’t messy and destructive. After a few hours out of the house, you will unlikely return to find a mature dog gnawing on your shoes or locate an older cat dangling from the curtains. They are trustworthy, won’t get into mischief and won’t try to run away either.  
5. Older dogs and cats would most likely have been socialised with other animalss.   Older animals would have had the benefit of interacting with others, therefore creating a less likely chance of aggressive behaviour towards other animals. 
6. Less likely to have a “alpha dog versus human” clash.  The older dog is more likely to know his place in a family unit.
7. Younger dogs will learn from older dogs.  A younger dog is more likely to learn the correct behaviour from the older dog.

In a charming post about his 14-year-old cocker spaniel Max, blogger and author Steven Petrow writes:  “In dog years, Max is about to turn 100. We know that his time - like all of our lives - is limited. But he doesn't know that. Maybe if he were a genius he would, but for now I love watching him live every day with the same kind of spirit he's always had, tail wagging, nose twitching, and yes, tongue ever on the lookout for a new treat. If he could speak, no doubt it would be, "What will today bring?!" ”

When next you can adopt, consider for a moment the possibility of choosing an older pet.  You will be glad you did.